State of Origin 2026: Queensland Maroons confirmed team for Game I in Sydney

Queensland has won three of the past four State of Origin series against New South Wales.

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Looking to make it four from five, Maroons head coach Billy Slater and the selectors have named their squad for Game I in 2026.

Is this the side to take a 1-0 lead on enemy soil in Sydney on Wednesday 27 March?

Queensland Maroons Confirmed Squad: State of Origin Game I 

1. Kalyn Ponga
2. Selwyn Cobbo
3. Robert Toia
4. Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow
5. Jojo Fifita
6. Cameron Munster (c)
7. Sam Walker
8. Tom Flegler
9. Harry Grant
10. Tino Fa’asuamaleaui
11. Reuben Cotter 
12. Kurt Capewell
13. Max Plath

14. Briton Nikora
15. Lindsay Collins
16. Pat Carrigan
17. Trent Loiero
18. Ezra Mam
19. Gehamat Shibasaki

20. Kulikefu Finefeuiaki 

The Maroons have pulled several big selection surprises, starting with the back three. 

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Kayln Pongahas won the hotly-contested fullback spot ahead of Kangaroos custodian Reece Walsh who misses out completely.

Selwyn Cobbo gets the nod on one wing with Jojo Fifita set to make his Origin debut on the other, while Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Robert Toia are the Maroons centres.

Cam Munster’s form had been questioned of late but he was never going to be dropped for Game I, named at No.6 alongside debutant halfback Sam Walker who comes in for 2025 Wally Lewis Medalist Tom Dearden. Munster has been on a restricted training load in Maroons camp but insists he’s at no risk of missing the match.

Tino Fa’asuamaleaui, Harry Grant and Tom Flegler head up an experienced pack together with Kurt Capewell and Reuben Cotter in the back row and Max Plath at lock.

The Maroons bench sees Sharks debutant Briton Nikora joined by fellow forwards Pat Carrigan, Lindsay Collins and Trent Loiero while Ezra Mam and Gehamat Shibasaki provide backline cover.

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Kulikefu Finefeuiaki is 20th man.

State of Origin 2026: Match Schedule